Tennessee Names New State Entomologist

Apr 17, 2023


The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) recently announced that Cindy Bilbrey has been named the new State Entomologist.

Bilbrey has been a Plant Inspector II in TDA’s Plant Certification Section for more than 20 years working with nursery and greenhouse growers, plant dealers, and hemp producers in Montgomery, Robertson, Sumner, and Wilson Counties.

“Cindy’s work plays an important role in agriculture,” said Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. “Tennessee’s horticulture industry depends on accurate plant inspections and expert staff who can identify needs and who are knowledgeable about horticultural regulations. As the statewide lead on insects and their interactions with the environment, Cindy will work with producers in all facets of plant certification.”

“I am excited to continue my career as State Entomologist,” Bilbrey said. “Working to ensure plants and plant material are healthy and free of invasive pests is integral to the horticulture industry. I’ll continue working with growers statewide to limit the impact of pests on their crops and help to facilitate trade within the United States and abroad.”

Bilbrey earned her Master of Science in Entomology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

Bilbrey has lived in Tennessee since graduating from high school in New Jersey. She is a 4th dan black belt in Tae Kwan Do and treasurer of the Gladeville Lions Club. She enjoys spending time with her two adult children, kayaking, teaching swimming lessons, and Zumba. Bilbrey resides in Wilson County.

For more content like this, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator.
 

Read More News

Jul 28, 2025
The state fair is only a handful of weeks away, which is why now is the time to purchase tickets to attend the annual Tennessee 4-H Picnic.
 
Jul 23, 2025
After Hurricane Helene ravaged East Tennessee, several groups — including the Co-op and the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation — will sponsor a day for farmers to connect about recovery efforts a year later.
 
Jul 21, 2025
The 17th Annual Tri-State Beef Cattle Conference will be held August 5th at the Ron Ramsey Regional Ag Center in Blountville.